[FreeReign]

Sen. Hagel is a Vietnam veteran. Mr Perle never served in the military.

...and therefore what?

[AIG]

Veterans have a different perspective on war than civilian war-mongers. They know the cost of war first-hand and are less eager to start any war, without good justification based on America's own national interests. In addition, Mr. Perle doesn't serve his own interests when he insults the US military by calling them "not competent."